Black Friday

Who came up with that name anyway - Black Friday?  

Shopping with 40,000 of your closest friends

As an old accountant, I get the metaphor - lots of sales drive revenues and put retailers in the "black" side of the ledger (that'd be the positive side for all you non-accountants out there). Julie and I ventured out for about a half an hour yesterday, we got a few things at two stores, then rushed home to avoid the insanity (though it was so nice to just be out together!)  Based on our limited experience, I doubt it will be "black" for most retailers.


Sadly, I think the black is now a better description for people's hearts. I read this morning how ugly people can be.  One woman used pepper spray on fellow shoppers to get an "advantage" at a Walmart — she was after the $100 off an X-Box and of course there was a limited quantity, so a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do, right? Sigh. Hopefully she is now "doing" time in the slammer.


The phrase itself stirs up the memory of blackest of Fridays — Christians call it "Good Friday" — the day that Christ was crucified for all (all of us, and all of our sins - past, present and future). That historical event has the happiest of endings - the empty tomb, the risen Savior, and the promise of defeat of our enemy in the end (the cliff notes version of Revelation = we win).


It seems such a odd juxtaposition to have the busiest shopping day of the year the day after the celebration of Thanksgiving. Sadly most Americans have forgotten how that "day off work to eat a lot of food" came about.  It was, of course, declared a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in October, 1863 (just before his famous Gettysburg Address by the way). Click here to read it: Thanksgiving Day Proclamation


It definitely worth reading (as are most things Lincoln wrote) - whether for the first time or the 100th. The country was in the midst of the Civil War - torn apart from North to South. I doubt many people felt like celebrating anything. Yet Lincoln, in his wisdom, exhorts the country to set aside "a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens". 


While I can't relate to the horror that was the Civil War - we are in the midst of our our little war against that most insidious disease: cancer. This was a special Thanksgiving celebration for us this year. We have much to be thankful for. It is frequently in the trials of life that we find how much the little things in life matter. How grateful we are for the simple things in life, the truth that we are able to take a another breath - live another day - share another meal - give another good night kiss. In the midst of all the challenges of life during this season, we are so thankful to God, our "beneficent Father", for each hour we have together as a couple...as a family. 


This year, I am particularly thankful for Julie; for God's healing power in her life, and for how well she is doing in this journey. For her perseverance, her joy, her ministry, her testimony and her love. 


And, we are so very thankful for the grace God has shown us, and the amazing blessings we have received from all of you.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!


Next Friday, the 2nd of December, is chemo #5. The last one was not good.  Not good at all. So, we are asking for specific prayer against the side effects. We believe a good percentage of the issues are coming from the steroids she takes the day before, the day of, and the day after chemo. The doctor is not going to change the dosage or the regiment (and yes, we did ask), so we need to counter them some other way - and the best way I know, is to pray against it.


It turns our Sarah and I will not be traveling to Texas for auditions on the 3rd, so we will be here to help take care of Julie - praise God!  Also, Sarah had her wisdom teeth out last Monday, and we would appreciate prayer for her speedy recovery.  


God is good. All the time.

The End Is Near

No, I don't mean the apocalypse, and no I don't subscribe to Harold Camping's perspective (or his newly revised perspective, or the one that will come after his newly revised perspective passes). 

However, we are taught in 1 Peter 4:7-10 that: "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply for love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in in various forms."


As I have been reflecting on this passage, several things have come to mind:


When you are face to face with cancer, you can't help but think the unpleasant thought that the end, the physical end here on earth, may be nearer than you'd wish. Yet, when you get to this stage in the process - 4 down two to go - your mind turns more to the practical application of the phrase - the end (of chemo) is near (and that's hugely positive).


It's really the rest of the passage that has me thinking. Peter is telling us to act on the fact that the end of all things is near.  And, from a heaven perspective, I guess that's true, since heaven is eternal and our time on earth is quite short. It's certainly true from an individual perspective.  And, because of that truth, we are to act a certain way.


The amazing — truly amazing — thing to watch is how these things are happening within our family, and within the body of Christ, every day. We've never prayed so much in all our lives (and I'm sure never been the recipients of so much prayer). We've never loved each other more deeply than we do right now. Dozens and dozens of people have joyfully provided hospitality to us - and each does what they can, with the gifts God has given them. Some provide food. Some battle with prayer. Some provide yard work, others provide rides for our kids. It's not prescriptive - people are doing what God puts on their hearts to do. Every little (and big) thing helps - and God gets the glory. 


God's Word it truly "living and active". What a privilege to be a part of it - to experience it real time. We are humbled beyond words.


A quick update:  Tuesday was the beginning of a turn around - Julie started feeling less of the side effects and was able to get out of the house yesterday and today. The next round of chemo (#5) is scheduled for Friday, December 2. I will be leaving for a short trip with Sarah for auditions at TCU (for acceptance into their musical theatre program) on the 3rd, so my sister Lori is coming to stay with Jules.  Given the challenges with the last chemo, I am very concerned about being gone, but she will be in good hands.


Sarah has surgery to have her wisdom teeth removed next Monday - so please pray for the surgery and a quick recovery. 


Also, please continue to pray for those who are suffering with this terrible disease and don't have the amazing cadre of friends and family that we are privileged to have. Many don't have anyone in their corner - and may don't know Jesus. They need our prayers and our gifts more than ever!


Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. They are truly allowing us to get through this!


Blessings to all.

66% Done

4/6ths , otherwise known as 2/3rds. 4 down, 2 to go... Thursday was chemo #4.  


The good news: her blood counts were good enough to administer chemo.  Her red blood cell count was 10.1 (down from 10.7 last time), and its highly likely next time it will be below 10. After asking Dr. Kim what that means, it's likely next time she will have to take an iron/B-vitamin booster shot prior to chemo...but she won't have to delay chemo, which is really good news.


The post chemo effects are starting to wreak their havoc earlier.  Its usually 24-48 hours before she has significant effects, but this time, she started getting them within 2 hours of taking chemo.  I guess the longer you go, the more the body gets more worn down before chemo starts.  She is, however continuing to do a good job managing them.  The next 7 days will be the critical ones.


Jules is quite tired, has no appetite, food and liquid taste horrible, and she is working hard at managing the GI issues that come with both the chemo and the meds.


Dr. Kim also mentioned that her liver enzymes are elevated (not exactly sure what that is, but it showed up on her blood work). While its "normal" for chemo patients to have elevated figures, its something that she will need to monitor very closely.


Hannah and I went to see Sarah's play that she is stage managing (Arthur Miller's All My Sons), it was a nice father/daughter date, despite the depressing plot of the play.


Please continue to pray for good blood counts (liver and red-blood cell), increased strength, ability to enjoy food, courage, and joy. Also, if you remember, please pray for  my sister who is in the Philippines with her youngest son on a missions trip.


Thank you for your continued diligence in praying and practical help (food, etc.) Both are making an enormous difference. God is showing up hourly! Thank you also for prayers for my work...once again God showed up and sent two potential clients to us out of the blue...His provision is so amazing. Please continue the prayers!


Blessings to all...I'll update everyone in a few days or so.

Pre Chemo Update

Hello everyone

We wanted to provide a quick update - its been a little hectic lately, so sorry we haven't updated everyone.  

The past few weeks have been busy with life activities.  We passed a huge milestone - Sarah finished and submitted her first set of college applications. The next step is auditions for acceptance into performing arts/theatre programs. She has been very busy with her senior year and the latest theatre performance, which she is stage managing. Hannah is extremely busy with school and dance, writing papers, doing science projects, and having fun along the way. Some days, life seems to be flying by, other days it seems to drag on forever.

We've had some amazing answers to prayer the past week or so. Julie has been doing remarkably well (considering), and her "full time job" of staying as healthy as possible and avoiding side effects has had remarkable results.  This past week, which is normally her "good" week, she has actually been able to stop almost all of her medications. No nausea meds, no pain meds, no stomach meds. She has been able to manage the side effects well with diet, chiropractic, acupuncture, lots of water and lots of prayer! Amazing.

This Thursday is Round 4 of chemo. So, we are preparing for the next low period, which will last until the 19th or 20th.  We are looking forward to Thanksgiving - which will be after her blood counts start to rise and her energy is back up a bit.

Specific Prayer Requests:

• Dr. Kim (oncologist) is a bit concerned about her red blood cell counts - specifically her iron count. The threshold for her to be able to take chemo Thursday is 10. When we started chemo, her red blood cell number was 14, then 12, and was 10.7 last time. So please pray her blood counts are in the right range.  We don't want to have to delay chemo or have to go through an infusion to try to elevate her counts.
• For encouragement and strength in this next cycle.
• For strength and energy for me

Thanks all!